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The course is taught using formal lectures; workshops; group work; case studies; practical simulations e.g. mock trial; industrial/commercial visits; and student centered learning. It is built around the foundation of knowledge and skills required by the CIEH.
Modules
The research dissertation is worth 50 credits. It will include opportunities to work with lecturers and students in other public health-related fields.
There will be a special emphasis in providing the student with an understanding of the role of the Environmental Health Practitioner within the broader public health field, and the necessary networks and partnerships required in the delivery of individual and community health related interventions.
Course Schedule
Students must expect to attend 4-5 days per week in the autumn and spring terms. There is little teaching in the summer term with time set aside for completing assignments, examination preparation, and undertaking the Dissertation.
Practical Food Inspection
In addition to the MSc programme, each student will be required to undertake a specific training programme and pass an examination on the wholesomeness and fitness for human consumption of a range of food and food products to meet the professional practice requirements of the CIEH. The University will provide a short course followed by a certified examination. The price of this programme is not included in the MSc course fees and will cost an additional £300 for the training and examinations.
Assessments
Assessments are in the form of formal written examinations, group work presentations and research dissertations. Students must pass all modules if they wish to become registered with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
Part-time students
The course is modularised and structured so that part-time students can accumulate credits over a period of time. It is compulsory to take the Law Module first but this can be with any combination of other modules. The University allows five years to complete the MSc. Students who are Technical Officers within Local Authorities will be able to use their work experience to meet the requirements of the Experiential Learning Portfolio required by the CIEH.
Teaching and Learning
The ethos of the course is problem-based learning. Its purpose is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to be able to work as an Environmental Health Practitioner within a range of organisations including National and Local Government, Health Services, Commercial Companies and Private Consultancies.
The course is led by experienced Environmental Health Practitioners supported by external lecturers who are recognized specialists in their fields. Students have opportunities to be taught by and supported in their own research dissertations by the research scientists within the Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management.
Placements
The CIEH has accredited the course since 1991. If you wish to take the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) professional examinations to become a Registered Environmental Health Practitioner, you must undertake a period of work based learning. You will be required to complete an Experiential Learning Portfolio (ELP) of work based learning for the CIEH prior to sitting your professional examinations.
Graduate Training programmes can be up to 12 months in length or can be shorter internships. The majority are provided within local authorities, but an increasing number are offered by private companies such as ASDA and Hilton Hotels. There may be some financial support given by the training provider. Many are advertised through the CIEH journal and directly to the University. We offer you full support to prepare for interviews for these positions.
If you are a part-time student already based in Local Authorities then you may be able be able to negotiate individual arrangements subject to meeting the Chartered Institute’s ELP requirements.
We pastoral support during the post-MSc work-based learning. This will includes a written Guide to Practical Training, an introductory session on professional placement; and advice and assistance in preparing for the professional examinations.
Employability
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities continue to be available in a range of employment areas, including:
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Local Authorities
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Government Agencies (HSE, Environment Agency)
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Government Departments (Dept of Health, National Health Service)
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Large Private Companies such as ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Tesco
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Environmental Health Consultancies
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Training Consultancies
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Higher Educational Establishments
Employability Skills
During the time on the course, students will be encouraged to develop employability skills which UK Employer Organisations have stated are essential for graduate recruitment. These include:
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Time management
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Communication Skills
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Team working
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Personal planning and organisation
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Critical thinking skills
Staff and students within the School of Geography, Earth and Envrionmental Sciences at the University describe the masters degree (MSc) in Environmental Health
'During the course I have gained a thorough understanding and learnt to apply relevant legislation and enforcement powers in all environmental health disciplines.' Nathita Fleet
Read a profile for Nathita Fleet
'I found the course was exactly what I had hoped for in an MSc, varied, stimulating and challenging. With tutors, experts in their fields, the lectures were interesting and relevant and I thoroughly enjoyed the course.' Kathryn Fry
Read a profile for Kathryn Fry
'I was awarded the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Graduate of the Year in 2009, which crowned two challenging yet enjoyable years.' Jenny Hopkins
Read a profile for Jenny Hopkins
'The course has provided me with a sound base of knowledge and greatly increased my confidence meaning I was successful in getting a placement at Chelmsford Borough council.' Natalie Malupa
Read a profile for Natalie Malupa
'I cannot overstate the importance Birmingham has played in laying the solid foundations on which to build my career.' Simon Elliot
Read a profile for Simon Elliot